Following many discussions in our community about the importance of Agricultural Education in our schools, I have been lobbying with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture. We need to give all of our kids a chance to be exposed to the facts about Canadian food and to have better rural educational opportunities.

Right now Ag Education in our schools is twofold.  First off, there are courses, resources and curriculum packages offered by OAFE (Ontario Agri-Food Education) to educators for students in all grades. These resources are especially important for students who live and go to school in urban areas.  The second program offered to school boards is the Rural Student Success Strategy. This stream of study specifically offers local boards of education the opportunity to offer courses, co-op learning and specialist High Skills major studies for high school students who have an interest in rural and agriculture professions.

My ongoing work is to help local boards of education become more aware of the resources and programs that exist and to make use of them.  The programs offered by OAFE should be embraced by Boards as essential components of the school curriculum.  We have to demystify food facts and educate our children about food production in Canada. School Boards do not need to be afraid of these causing extra pressures on their teaching staff. The programs and resources from OAFE are easy to use, interesting to teach and incorporate education basics including math, reading and science.

On the rural student success front, every endeavor is being made to clear the path for high school students who excel in hands-on practical education.  The opportunity for Boards to request financial assistance from the Ministry of Education to create school-to-work and college preparation programs is now! The more support that you and I can offer to our local Trustees, the better.  We need to be sure that all students, including our rural students, get the best outcomes from their years at school.

It is encouraging to work with the support of the HWFA to have local Boards of Education embrace agricultural education. You and I need to keep talking to our teachers, principals and trustees and I will continue to be your voice at the Ministry of Education and the Rural Caucus at Queens Park to ensure that Ag Ed and rural student success has a permanent place in all classrooms in Ontario.